Top 11 Toys at Toy Fair 2011 (Mania.com)

By:Robert T. Trate Date: Friday, February 18, 2011

Another Toy Fair has come and gone. For your “Toy Maniac” here at Mania it was a fun filled weekend in New York City. All the heavy hitters were there this weekend and some little guys that had plenty to offer. Now, I know what you are thinking and there is probably going to be some Star Wars items on this list, well you’re right. I did walk the entire show floor and found a few gems that have absolutely nothing to do with that galaxy far-far away.

11. Air Swimmers

It might seem simple enough, but it had a mesmerizing effect as these two balloons swam through the air. Their price, $39.99, might seem a bit steep but it was fun just watching it. Imagine having a child play with it. Check them out at Flying Products.com.

10. MattyCollector’s Vince Clortho

“I am Vince. Vince Clortho, Keymaster of Gozer, Volguus Zildrohar, Lord of the Sebouillia. Are you the Gatekeeper”? Sadly, there is no Key Master yet but the Ghostbusters line from MattyCollector doesn’t seem to be losing any steam. Any fan of the Ghostbusters franchise is going to have to have this figure on their desk.

9. The Ugly Dolls Cookie Jar

Clearly not a toy in the strictest sense of the word but it was at Toy Fair. This collection of dolls is for everyone but harder for the male fans to display. Those that are married can get away with saying it is their wives but the single guy? The cookie jars, like all the other new merchandise, is as cool and as clever as the brand.

8. Soda Geyser Car

This is one of those toys that parents are not going to buy for their children. First of all, it is powered by soda that is injected with Mentos. College Fraternities on the other hand are going to run wild with it. Yes, it comes with wheels and different nose cones. The best thing I can think of for kids is to use it instead of a Pinewood Derby car at Cub Scouts. Can you imagine the clean up?

7. Green Lantern MattyCollector Exclusive

This exclusive from MattyCollector not only lights up with the power of the Green Lantern it recites the oath as well. This will be a great collectible regardless of how cartoony the movie looks.

6. Kotobukiya’s Stormtrooper ARTFX 2 Pack

Two figures for $74.99 that can perform 16 different poses might seem like a lot but look at what just a few of them can do. Kotobukiya always delivers high end collectibles. These figures had me drooling long after I left Toy Fair. I simply just couldn’t take enough pictures.

5. NECA’s Spider-Gremlin from Gremlins 2 the New Batch

There will be a whole new wave of Gremlins toys coming out to coincide with the new video games (Wii and DS). For those die hard Gremlins fans you’ll want the biggest figure of the bunch the Spider-Gremlin. The sculpt is not yet fully approved but if it does come out it will make a perfect centerpiece to your Halloween decorations. NECA really has raised the bar on this one.

4. Sky Striker/ Star Scream SDCC Exclusive with Cobra Commander

The actual GI Joe Sky Striker will return to the toy line this year. Though what any toy or comic book fan of GI Joe or Transformers is really going to want is the hybrid of the two. Cobra Commander not only comes in full flight gear but a tiny Megatron as well. Sadly, it does not transform. Then again, who ever thought we would get a toy from this short run crossover Marvel Comic.

3. Lego’s Queen Anne’s Revenge

From the Pirates of the Caribbean: on Stranger Tides comes Black Beard’s ship. Retailing at $119.99 and containing 1,097 pieces it is a breathtaking site to behold. Captain Jack’s Black Pearl is scheduled to arrive in May however; it will be a tad smaller at only 804 pieces and retailing at $99.99. The Queen Anne’s Revenge arrives from Lego in May.

2. Revenge of the Jedi Death Star SDCC Exclusive Box Set

Many of us already know the story of Revenge of the Jedi and the marketing snafu it created. Hasbro is celebrating the Revenge of the Jedi this year by releasing 14 figures in their Vintage style packaging. The catch is twelve of these figures are available on the rack; two are only part of the box set. For the first time both SalaciousCrumb and the Imperial Mouse Droid will be carded figures. Fear not, SDCC attendees, Hasbro is already working on boxes with FedEx to ship this must have item to your home. It will clearly not fit on the plane.

1. Make Your Own Zombie Figure Customization Kit

With the Zombie craze that is taking over our culture, the good people at EMCE Toys have out done themselves. Not only have they brought back the MEGO toys for Mattel’s DC Comics line and The Twilight Zone dolls for Bif Bang Pow but now they give us a chance to join in on the fun. They give you different clothes, heads, arms, and legs and all you supply is the paint. You’ll be saying “BRAINZA” before you know it.